weeks



Jan. Z1, 1964 R. c. WEEKS 3,118,372

CODE DATING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 27. 1960 R. C. WEEKSCODE DATING MACHINE Jan. 21, 1964 3 Sheets-,Sheet 2 Filed July 27, 1960/A/l/ENTOR.'

K E www c r D ,n e A H w RW ,r E

Jan. 2l, 1964 R. c. WEEKS CODE DATING MACHINE s sheets-sheet :5

Filed July 27. 1960 E 5 TE Y Nw @WM s. R vC o wp w R A H H w K d, 5 w 0nl. 0 m n n ./f :M1 1 l im@ United States Patent 3,118,372 CDE DATINGMACHINE Richard C. Weeks, 1507 Baysdale Lane, Richmond, Va. Filed July27, 1960, Ser. No. 45,731 2 Claims. (Cl. 101-332) The present inventionrelates genenally to code dating machines, Iand more particularly to ianovel power actuated code dating machine employing the principles ofink, coated film, or the like, transfer of selected information to thelabel, package, o-r the like.

Heretofore, various devices and methods have been employed in codedating packages, and the like, involving the several principles oflapplication by ink, by scorching or burning an impression, by forcedindentation, with a coated transfer film, and by combinations of these.While some units work satisfactorily, there is involved a l-arge expensein capital investment and maintenance. There has long existed the needof a simple powered code dating machine which will efficiently performits function in a exible manner, yet -is relatively inexpensive overallincluding initial investment and maintenance, and which incorporates asimplified operation.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novelpowered code dating machine which satisfies the long-felt want in thefield.

In brief, the present novel code dating machine includes a coveredmounting box, a base plate mounted withinqthe box, ya spring-biasedreciprocally mounted type carrier supponted by the plate, a solenoidmounted on the plate for striking energization of the type carrier,ribbon supporting mechanism mounted on a plate, and an automaticreversingT mechanism for the ribbon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel poweredcode dating machine which employs inking or coated lm for transferringthe predetermined impression to a package or 4the like'.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine ofcompact simplified construction incorporating a ribbon feeding meansactuated by means effective to energize provided marking means.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine ofsimplified construction which incorporates `an inked ribbon for transferof the Vdesired information and automatic means `for reversing theribbon at substmtially each end of travel thereof.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine ofsimplified construction which is adapted for disposition in conjunctionwith a moving film or moving packages, or stationary lilm or packages.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine whichcontains its own power -for disposing the desired information in thesame relative position on each section or unit of rolled film or eachpackage.

Another object -is to provide a novel powered code dating machine whichis relatively inexpensive, which has low maintenance cost, which can bereadily chan-ged in its information to be imprinted, and which otherwisefulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from thefollowing description taken with the accompanying draw-ing, in which:

FIGURE -1 is a top plan view of an enclosed powered code dating machine'incorporating the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a Ifront elevational view thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged front elevational View thereof with the coverplate removed;

FIGURE 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantial-lythe line 5--5 of FIGURE 4;

anatra Patented Jan. 21, 1964 ice FIGURE 6` is a horizontalcross-sectional view Vtaken on substantially the line 6--6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially theline 7-7 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE. 8 is .la vertical cross-sectional vie-w taken on substantiallythe line 8-8 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially theline 9 9 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE l0 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially theline 10--10 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE l1 is a ventical moss-sectional view taken on substantially ytheline lil-11 of FIGURE 9, looking at the rear of the base plate;

FIGURE 1.2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of elements of the ribbonreversing mechanism;

FIGURE 13 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 showing the ribbon feeding inthe opposite direction;

FIGURE I4 is an enlarged View of -a segment of ribbon illustrating anelement of the mechanism for automatically reversing the ribbon;

FIGURE 15 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view taken onsubstantially the line `15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary top plan view illustrating elements of theribbon feed mechanism and lthe ribbon reverse mechanism;

FIGURE 17 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken onsubstantially the line 17-a17 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 1-8 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken yonsubstantially the line 18-18 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 19 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken onsubstantially the lline |19-119 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 2.0' is an enlarged bottom view of the type carrier and supportedtype elements;

FIGURE 2l is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially theline Z1-21 of FIGURE 20;

FIGURE 2v2 is a View of the actuating plate forming part off the ribbonreversing mechanism; and

FIGURE 23 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference nurnerals, 3bindicates generally a powered code dating machine incorporating theteachings of the present invention. The machine 30 includes a casing312, an imprinting mechanism 34, a ribbon feeding mechanism 36, a ribbonreversing mechanism S'S, and connecting elements.

As is clear from the drawings, the casing 32 is rectangular and includesa removable cover 49 maintained in position by screws 41 engaging tapposts 42 threadedly mounted in bosses 43 formed integral with the backwall of the casing 32 (FIG. 5). The posts 42 maintain a base plate 45 inposition in the casing 32 in spaced parallel relation with the back wallthereof and adjacent to the bosses `43, as is clear from FIGURE 5. Thebase plate `45 supports the elements of the several mechanisms mentionedabove in the brief outline of the invention.

The top of the casing 32 may be oval to provide more air space, andapertures may be provided therein for dissipation of heat.

The imprinting mechanism 34 includes a solenoid 50 wrapped withinsulation material 51 which is secured to the base plate 45 by a strap52 and screws 53. The solenoid 50 includes a plunger 54 to the bottom ofwhich is adjustably threaded a striker 55 in the form of a screw (FIGS.18, 19). lSecured to opposed sides of the plunger 54 and extendingupwardly therefrom through a block 56 of insulating material are a shortplate 57 and an elongated plate 58. A pin 59 is mounted in the saidplates 57 and 5S (FIG. 18), the lower end of a tension spring andere 60being connected thereto, the upper end thereof being connected in anaperture in the end of a pin 61 mounted on the base plate and extendingforwardly therefrom. The spring biases the plunger 54 to the position ofFIGURE `1S.

Beneath the solenoid 50 is a type carrier 65 of rectangular open bottomconfiguration as is clearly shown by FIGURES 2 and Z1. The type carrier65 is secured to a ilat leaf spring 66 in suspended relation thereto byrivets 67, `which also maintain a striker block 68 in positionthereabove. The striker block 63 has a cone-shaped opening 69 thereinfor engagement by the head of the striker 55, as is clear from FIGURE18. Type elements 70 are disposed in the type carrier 65, being firmlymaintained in position by a screw 71. The flat leaf spring 66 issuspended between and mounted in slots in spaced posts 72 mounted on thebase plate 45 (FIG. 8). The striker block 68 extends into the bottomopening of the solenoid 50, as is clear from FIGURE 18. The at leafspring 66 permits the reciprocative movement of the type 70 in theoperation thereof.

The ribbon feeding mechanism 36 includes a pair of spaced gears 75 and76 cach of which includes a hub 77 rotatively mounted upon a post 78secured to and extending forwardly from the base plate 45 yby means of athreaded reduced portion and a nut 79 (FIGS. 4 and 8). A lightcompression spring 80 maintained in position by a cotter pin 81 preventsfree rotation of each of the gears 75 and 76. A typewriter ribbon 83, orthe like, is mounted on the forwardly extending portions of the hub 77,the free ends being secured by mounting clips 84. The ribbon 83 istrained around a pair of spools 87 each of which is mounted on a post S8secured to and extending forwardly from the base plate 45 (FIGS. 4 andl0). The ribbon 83 is also trained through slots in spaced posts 89which are secured to and extend forwardly from an element of the ribbonreversing mechanism 38 described below (FIGS. 4 and 8). The tape 83passes beneath the type 70, as is clear from the drawings.

For selectively driving the gear wheels 75 and 76 there is provided ashaft 9'5 which is rotatably mounted in the opposed ends of a bracket 96which is pivotally mounted on the base plate 4 5 by means of a rivet 98which also extends through an actuating plate 99 against the backthereof and into a cap member 100 (FIG. 1S). On each cnd of the shaft 95is a worm wheel 102 which alternately engages the gears 75 and 76, as isclear from FIGURES 4 and 13. A ratchet wheel 105 is secured to the shaft95 opposite the pivot point of the bracket 96 for engagement by a doubletooth dog 196 pivotally mounted in a channel-shaped member 107 welded tothe plate 5S and secured to the top of the plunger 54 by a suitablescrew i108 (FIG. `19). A leaf spring 109 biases the dog 106 intoengagement with the ratchet wheel 105. A stop dog 110 pivotally mountedupon the bracket 96 is biased by a spring 111 into engagement with theteeth of the ratchet wheel 135, thereby preventing backup (FIGS. 4 and19). It is manifest from the foregoing that each time the plunger 54descends, the ratchet wheel 105 will be rotated through an arc equal totwo teeth, which, in turn, effects rotation of the worm wheels 102 andthere through the respective gears 75 and 76.

The automatic ribbon reversing mechanism 33 cornprises a oatingactua-.or plate 115 of the configuration clearly illustrated in FIGURES1l, 22 and 23. The member 115 includes a plate portion 116 disposedagainst the back of the base plate 45 and a narrow returned skirtportion 117 disposed against the front face of the base plate 45 whichsupports the slotted spaced posts S9 heretofore mentioned. The trough118 formed by the juncture of the plate portion 116 and the narrow skirtportion 117 engages the lower edge of the base plate 45 as a guide forthe iloating, sliding movement of the actuator y115. Pivotally mountedon the back of the base plate 45 above the actuator 115 is a link IZtl.A tension spring 121 engages a lug 122 on the actuator 115 and a stubpost 4 123 on the link 120. The link 120 extends between dc pending legs126 of the actuating plate 99, which is welded to the cap member 100 forreciprocative rotation thereof. A strap 128 traps the actuating plate 99against outward movement.

Near each end of the ribbon 83 is a pin 130 which is bound in positionby a thread 131, or the like. Eyelets may be used in place of the pins130. With reference to FIGURE 4, it will be observed that the pin 130 isagainst the left hand spaced post 89 and that the arrows A indicato theribbon 83 is about to be reversed and rcwound upon the hub 77 of thegear 75. It is clear that engagement of the pin 130 against the saidspaced post 89 mounted on the actuator plate 115 will force thc actuator115 to the right, viewing FIGURE 4. This will move the spring 121 acrossthe pivot ofthe link 120 (FIG. ll), thereby pivoting the actuating plate99 clockwise. Considering FIGURES 4 and ll, clockwise movement of theactuating plate 99 to the position of FIGURE ll effects eounterclockwisemovement of the bracket 96 and the shaft 95 in FIGURE 4 to disengage theworm Wheel 102 from the gear 76 and to engage a worm wheel 102 `with thegear 75. It is clear that the ribbon feeding mechanism 36 will effectsliding movement of the actuator 115 through the pin 130 in thedirection as required to automatically reverse the ribbon feedingwithout interference with the supply of ribbon 83 to the type 7l).Electric power cording 134 is provided.

The operation of the code dating machine 30 is clear from the foregoing.

In use, the machine 30 is disposed in relation to a roll of labels orwraps, packages on a carrier belt, or other labels or packages desiredto be code dated. A switch is provided which is actuated by a cam orwheel, a package, or other desirable means which insures one stamping ormarking operation of the code in the same relative position on thc daterlabel, package, or the like. A platen is disposed in spaced relation tothe type carrier 65 when labels are marked.

As particularized above, the imprinting mechanism 34 makes oneimpression each time the switch in the power line is closed to actuatethe solenoid 50. The ribbon feeding mechanism 36 moves the ribbon 83past the type 70 in step-bystep manner. As the ribbon 83 draws towardsone end in the feeding process, the ribbon revers ing mechanism 38automatically effects reversal, so that the ribbon 83 is moved back andforth between the hubs 77 of the gears 75 and 76 until a new ribbon 83is required. Replacing the ribbon 83 is a simple process upon removal ofthe cover plate 40.

It is manifest that there has been provided a code dating machine whichfulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration andexample. It is also to be understood that changes in form of theelements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalentelements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, arecontemplated as within the scope of the present invention which islimited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a code dating machine comprising a base plate, a typecarrier mounted on said plate for reciprocative movement, a solenoidmounted adjacent said type carrier including a plunger, a strikercarried by said plunger adapted to strike said type carrier uponenergization of said solenoid, a ribbon disposed beneath said typecarrier for movement, means mounting said ribbon for step-by-steptravel, means for effecting said step-by-step travel including a ratchetand an operating dog, said dog being connected to said plunger formovement therewith, means for transferring the movement of said ratchetto said ribbon, means for automatically reversing said ribbon includinga plate member oatingly mounted on said base plate for reciprocativemovement, a pair of spaced slotted posts secured to said plate member,said ribbon passing through said posts, a link pivotally mounted on saidbase plate and connected to said plate member, an actuating memberpivotally mounted on said base platte and engageable by said link foroscillation thereby, said actuating member being connected to saidtransferring means for disposing the latter to move said ribbon in aselected direction, and means carried by said ribbon near each end forengaging said slotted posts to reciprocate said plate member.

2. In combination, a code dating machine comprising a verticallydisposed base plate, a pair of spaced posts mounted in said base plateand extending therefrom, a spring member mounted on and suspendedbetween said posts permitting reciprocative movement of the centralportion of said at spring member, a type carrier mounted on said springmember for reciprocative movement, a solenoid mounted adjacent said typecarrier including a plunger, a striker carried by said plunger adaptedto strike said type carrier upon energization of said solenoid, a ribbondisposed beneath said type carrier for movement, means mounting saidribbon for step-by-step travel, means for effecting said step-by-steptravel including a ratchet and an operating dog, said dog beingconnected to said plunger for movement therewith, means for transferringthe movement of said ratchet to said ribbon, means for automaticallyreversing said ribbon including a plate member floatingl" mounted onsaid base plate for reciprocative movement, a pair of spaced slottedposts scured to said plate member, said ribbon passing through saidposts, a link pivotally mounted on said base plate and engaged by saidplate member, an actuating member pivotally mounted on said base plateand engageable by said link for oscillation thereby, said actuatingmember being connected to said transferring means for dispos* ing ,thelatter to move said ribbon in a selected direction, and means carried bysaid ribbon near each end for engaging said slotted posts to reciprocatesaid plate member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS1,928,685 Dugdale Oct. 3, 1933 1,978,898 Ford Oct. 30, 1934 2,084,044Muller June 15, 1937 2,104,573 Reinhoidsten Jan. 4, 1938 2,348,566Papazian May 9, 1944 2,424,725 Weimont July 29, 1947 2,559,455 MeyerJuly 3, 1951 2,906,203 Grosse Sept. 29, 1959 2,913,978 Lane Nov. 24,1959 2,978,090 Brandt Apr. 4, 1961 2,978,978 Lang Apr. 11, 1961 FORElGNPATENTS 605,848 Germany Nov. 19, 1934

1. IN COMBINATION, A CODE DATING MACHINE COMPRISING A BASE PLATE, A TYPECARRIER MOUNTED ON SAID PLATE FOR RECIPROCATIVE MOVEMENT, A SOLENOIDMOUNTED ADJACENT SAID TYPE CARRIER INCLUDING A PLUNGER, A STRIKERCARRIED BY SAID PLUNGER ADAPTED TO STRIKE SAID TYPE CARRIER UPONENERGIZATION OF SAID SOLENOID, A RIBBON DISPOSED BENEATH SAID TYPECARRIER FOR MOVEMENT, MEANS MOUNTING SAID RIBBON FOR STEP-BY-STEPTRAVEL, MEANS FOR EFFECTING SAID STEP-BY-STEP TRAVEL INCLUDING A RATCHETAND AN OPERATING DOG, SAID DOG BEING CONNECTED TO SAID PLUNGER FORMOVEMENT THEREWITH, MEANS FOR TRANSFERRING THE MOVEMENT OF SAID RATCHETTO SAID RIBBON, MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY REVERSING SAID RIBBON INCLUDINGA PLATE MEMBER FLOATINGLY MOUNTED ON SAID BASE PLATE FOR RECIPROCATIVEMOVEMENT, A PAIR OF SPACED SLOTTED POSTS SECURED TO SAID PLATE MEMBER,SAID RIBBON PASSING THROUGH SAID POSTS, A LINK PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAIDBASE PLATE AND CONNECTED TO SAID PLATE MEMBER, AN ACTUATING MEMBERPIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID BASE PLATE AND ENGAGEABLE BY SAID LINK FOROSCILLATION THEREBY, SAID ACTUATING MEMBER BEING CONNECTED TO SAIDTRANSFERRING MEANS FOR DISPOSING THE LATTER TO MOVE SAID RIBBON IN ASELECTED DIRECTION, AND MEANS CARRIED BY SAID RIBBON NEAR EACH END FORENGAGING SAID SLOTTED POSTS TO RECIPROCATE SAID PLATE MEMBER.